Thurrock: Man jailed for 19 years for non-recent sexual abuse of a child

A man has been jailed for 19 years following a thorough investigation by our Child Abuse Investigation Team.

John Darby, 66 of Thames Road, Grays appeared at Basildon Crown Court yesterday (15 August) where he was jailed, after being found guilty of 14 sexual offences against a child.

The first report came into Essex Police in 2012 following concerns about Darby around a young girl at Thurrock Yacht Club. This investigation was filed, however in 2017, the victim approached Essex Police to correct her original statement and reopen the investigation.

The victim bravely disclosed that she had been sexually abused by Darby for several years, with the earliest offence taking place when she was just eight years old.

Throughout the investigation, Darby continued to deny all allegations against him.

He was charged with 12 counts of assault of a child under 13 by penetration, one count of causing a child to engage in sexual activity and one count of attempted assault of a child under 13 by penetration.

Following a trial which began at Basildon Crown Court on 6 August, Darby was found guilty of all charges. John Darby appeared at Basildon Crown Court yesterday (15 August) where he was sentenced to 19 years in prison.

Detective Inspector Emma Portfleet said: 

“The patience and bravery that this victim has demonstrated throughout the investigation is nothing short of admirable.

“Sexual offences often have a life-long impact on survivors but I hope that she is able to start moving forward and is proud of how she has conducted herself throughout this investigation.

“I appreciate that there are questions from the public about the length of time this investigation took to conclude. The complexity of investigations into non-recent sexual offences investigations cannot be underestimated. During this investigation, detectives spoke with dozens of witnesses, took countless statements and made sure that the victim was receiving specialist support throughout.

“It took the jury less than two hours to find Darby guilty and I believe that this is due to the strength of the case formed by our detectives.

“However long an investigation may take, detectives in our Crime and Public Protection Unit work constantly to put dangerous perpetrators behind bars and protect vulnerable victims.

“If you are a survivor of sexual abuse and have not reported, please contact us or one of our support agencies. We will investigate and you will be supported.” 

Support is there for anyone affected by rape and sexual abuse, and no victim or survivor is alone. Synergy Essex provides specialist support for victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse of all ages and all genders across Essex.

Synergy Essex is a partnership of rape and sexual abuse centres in Essex: CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse), SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis). Synergy Essex is independent from the police and provides support for victims and survivors throughout their journey